Community High School District 117

District 117 History

Prior to the district’s creation, high school courses were offered at the Antioch Grade School, and high school diplomas were awarded as far back as 1898. On May 15, 1915 voters approved a proposition to create Antioch Township High School District 117, and plans were made immediately to build a high school.

On March 24, 1916, Antioch Township High School was dedicated, and six students graduated that June. As the district’s population increased, the high school was expanded to accommodate the growing enrollment. Additions to the school in 1927, 1953, 1962, and 1972 increased its capacity. To reflect the growing area being served, the name was changed to Antioch Community High School District 117 in 1963.

Antioch Township High School, 1915

Continued growth in the 1990s necessitated the demolition of the 1915 and 1927 structures. Two new additions, a north wing extension with art, science, and applied technology areas, and an administrative office and media center complex, opened in 1999. By 2004, more than 2,200 students were attending Antioch Community High School.

Antioch Community High School, 1999

In 2000 voters approved the construction of a second four-year high school to serve the district. Construction began in 2001 on both the high school and the Antioch-Lake Villa Township Center, which contains offices and meeting space for district operations. In 2003 the district’s name was changed to Community High School District 117. Lakes Community High School was dedicated on June 12, 2004 and opened that fall with 600 freshmen and sophomores.

Lakes Community High School, 2004

Community High School District 117 • 1625 Deep Lake Road • Lake Villa, Illinois 60046 • Phone 847-838-7100 • Fax 847-395-7553